Got Kicked

A couple of days ago while playing with my little boy, I accidentally got kicked on the face! How's that for a rough game? I have this terrible headache right now and my jaw feels sore. I'll have to consult a doctor maybe on Saturday if this pain does not go away.

Shifting to Wordpress?

From the first day I learned how to blog, Blogger was there for me. Through the years the site became a witness to how I often change my mind that consequently resulted to the regular change of my blog's URL too. Now that I've purchased my own domain (check it out, its http://philippinesonlinejob.com/) I have this inkling of shifting this blog to Wordpress too.

But Blogger will always be my first love so I am keeping this blog. Here are some reasons why Blogger is my number one:

1. User-friendly interface. Even a newbie can work on this site without trouble!
2. Less complexities. If you simply like an online diary where you can jot down all your thoughts then Blogger will do well. No need to use any plugins or update anything, Blogger is pure writing and pleasure.
3. Enjoy plenty of themes. The online world is packed with themes to beautify your blog. Go get your own slice of pleasure!
4. Get that "blogspot" feel. If you are not too caught in the fast-paced world of the internet, you will still have that idea that a blog should always end with that blospot-dot-com thing.

Party Preps Update

I decided to just post the party updates here instead of creating another blog. Here's what's new:

Caterer: AVP (status:booked)

Last year when we started thinking about the party, we really wanted to go for AVP. Its clean, classy, and affordable. But I still scouted for other venues. After all, I am a kind of person who would not settle on my first choice.  After many second thoughts, I finally settled with AVP.


Party Decors and Entairnment: Iya's Mom

Glad I found her online. She's accomodating and easy to talk with.

Photographer: Wade

He's affordable and definitely worth it! I have seen him work for my friend's wedding and baby's christening and boy, he's good.


Invitation: DIY

I just tried to work on the tulle and beads to see if I can manage to work on this on my own. Glad I did. The idea is to make a ballerina dress. I'm going to stick the papers about the program at the back.


Crowns and Stuffs

Found this mirror for just 80 pesos! We're going to use this for the Girls Salon during the party where the little brats can have their nails painted and wear these cute crowns:



By the way, these little crowns and earrings cost around 18 pesos. Its a deal! Was eyeing to buy one online until I decided to look around town. These were originally priced 20 pesos but since I got 30 pieces, the owner gave it to for just 18 pesos.

Now, this the crown the little girl will wear. I was hoping that she'll pick a "real" crown but since she settled with this toy crown, I'll just have to add some details to it and we're good.

Hope I can finish the invitation by next week and I'll post an update again.

The Little Bride

We're currently looking for a good white gown design. I want my girl to put up a little "playful' look. So I am thinking of having this (minus the headdress) : 

Was able to find a good gown maker from my father's hometown. She's asking 1500 for "unang gamit", meaning, I have to return the gown after. Not bad. 

Now, for my little boy, the dressmaker wants me to purchase the whole suit for 3k! So I'm planning to have something like this done (see below photo). I think this will be cheaper. 

My Boy's 5th Birthday Party

Hello there! I was hoping to blog about this since the second week of August, but I can't find a time to write. 

So we settled with Adventure Time, the boy's madly in love with this show. 

Invitation- This was made by a friend for free! Thanks Ysh. It's a simple invite asking parents not to prepare their kid's baon. 

Souvenirs- Now for the souvenirs, we had these cupcake and ball pillows made from Shop til You Drop. Aren't they a cutie? 

Game Prizes- I saw these stuffs on "sale" from a local mall. They're nice and cheap. I spent less than 300 pesos for all these. Can you see the name tags? I had them printed for 8 pesos only. I used my spare sticker papers. 

Cake- I was thinking of had it made but because we're the kind of person who could hardly finish a slice of cake, I just decided to grab one from Red Ribbon. Its cookies and cream. Happy Birthday decor and candles came from a local mall. 

Foods: Just ordered from Jollibee; spaghetti, chicken, sundae, and drinks. 

Now, here's a picture of my lil boy during his birthday: 

We also had a small party at home, and I worked on the decorations.

And here's the birthday boy again with his sister and friends. 

Catching Happiness Again

I am going through some sort of a "battle" right now. Its because I've chose to end up something, so I could get my self-esteem back. Its not as if I'm the worse person when it comes to "tolerance". In fact, I could wait for long hours without complaining, would run a mile without saying something "stupid" about the experience, or even do something that makes me sick without anyone getting a clue of my disgust. I don't complain, which could sometimes work for my disadvantage. 

So you see, I was doing something for almost 2 months. Things started fine only to realize that it would suddenly rob my self-esteem. Complains here and there, without a concrete basis of the claim. I don't want to go through the whole details because I refuse to let this experience affect me again. But in the end I realize that I could no longer stay because staying means feeling down all day, thinking what the heck happened to me, and hearing all sorts of disappointments. 

So I left. I left without thinking what will happen to me. I just blindly followed what my heart tells me (after years of refusing to follow my poor heart). Boy, my mind refused to give up so it suddenly start thinking of all sorts of ideas that honestly frighten me. But my heart, my heart is doing fine in telling me that I made the right choice. I am happier now, I guess. I am happier as I catch my self-esteem back, as I catch my happiness back. I will be fine, I promise. After all, I have a sturdy friend to lean on. 

Hail to Sec. Jesse

Much have been said about the man. And for me, Sec. Jesse personifies the teaching that "the humble shall be exalted". He was able to put up a simple life, despite the great call for fame. He leads, but follows. Having reached the pinnacle of success, he still finds joys in simple thing--his family.

A great man deserves great respect, so the JCI hold a simple tribute to a great man, who is also a former Jaycee. It was a humbling experience to go to his wake. You could watch a crowd of people, in all ages, trying to get the chance to go near Sec. Jesse's remains. None of them complained about staying long in lines because all were eager to give their final tribute.

Maybe all was God's plan.  Maybe Sec. Jesse suffered a controversial death because its the only way for us to look back and realize the lessons that the man taught us all. Maybe its his way to touch lives even after he earned his wings, something that he always did when we was still alive. Maybe his death was God's way of showing us how good it is to be able to change lives. Maybe its a way for us to realize that there's still hope. Maybe we are taught about the beauty of believing and believing more. And maybe he wants us to remember that no good deed is ever forgotten.

For the inspiration, thanks Sec. Jesse.

5 Things I Learned When Getting a Massage

My life revolves around family and work. In rare instances, I get to go out with friends. But most of the time I am in front of the computer working, tending over the kids, or looking over obligations that need to be done before another set of work piles up.  I am contended living this way, actually, I enjoy it (you could raise your eyebrows now).

I believe I have loads of obligations on my shoulders, so I have to constantly seek for that "balance".So what I do is to get myself a massage each week to feel renewed and strengthened, and boy it does its work well.  I have tried loads of establishments here offering their holy grail, from those small scale establishment to those offering their service for quite a hefty price. And here's what I learn from all this jumping-from-one-shop-to-another:

1. An expensive spa does not always guarantee good service. Everything will still boil down to that person working on you.

2. Going for those blind massage services is good, but sometimes they talk  a lot. This is not a problem if you're up for a nice conversation though.

3. Sanitation check: watch out for the linens!

4. A tip is necessary, because most of them are underpaid.

5. Always discuss with the masseuse about the type of massage you are up for. For me, I personally hate working on pressure points. So voice out your concern.

Caffeine Craze

The blog title is an irony of what I am going to discuss here.

Since the day I was diagnosed with Premature Ventricular Contraction, I had to limit my caffeine consumption. But its not as if I was delving on caffeine all my life. In fact, I could count with my fingers the numbers of times I drank coffee, soft drinks, tea, or anything with caffeine. 

If there's a case like "highly sensitive to caffeine", I should belong there because yesterday is another chronicle to the long list of events when I felt "not okey" because of caffeine. 

So it should be a regular day for fetching the kids not until I decided to grab a can of those readily available mocha mixes you'll find at the grocery store (no naming names here). I was already suffering from headache and nausea when my stupid self decided to grab something to drink again just to erase the thought that I drank something that's not good for me. Guess what I got? Milk Tea (another shot of caffeine!). 

I had to literally stop the urge to vom*t while we're at the mall last night. I had a bad sleep. My head's in a race.  Up to this morning, I have this terribly terrible headache. 

Preparations

My little boy's turning 5 next week! I've been thinking about how we're going to celebrate his day but so far, I was only able to finish working on the "souvenirs".

We could not decide the theme for his birthday. He adores Adventure Time but unsure if he's going to stick with it.

I plan to hold a simple gathering at his school and probably a weekend lunch with family and relatives at home. But first, I really have to set the theme.

Adventure Time?
High 5?
Avengers?
Barnyard?

Hey!

I'm still here!

Funny thing with blogging is that I usually resort to it in times I feel down, or in times like this when I have to undergo some sort of "reflection". Hey, life isn't that bad nowadays, in fact, everything is doing good. But then again, I'm looking for a "spark". Argh. Feels like I could do with a little perk-me-up but unsure of what I really want, or need.

Paid Vs Free AVG Antivirus Software

We all love free stuffs. From candy bars to softwares, we love getting them at no cost. But as good as it gets, could you really trust these free stuffs?   After all, it is scary to rely on something good when we could get the best. So to help you understand whether free AVG antivirus software is better than the paid version, we’ll give a quick rundown of facts here.

Paid AVG antivirus software is the best option for most users because of their extended set of options. Going for paid version will help save your neck from any trouble because they give better detection and elimination of computer viruses. Free apps may provide good anti spyware ability, but paying the software will give you an increased protection through various services like web shield, email scanner, behavioral analysis, and a lot more. These are exactly what you will miss from the free version.

Free software will fail to give you the privilege of calling a service customer support in case anything went wrong. If you need a help about running the program or if you need to disinfect your unit, you won’t have anyone to call for help. Most free applications would give free support from an online forum but this is not enough. On the other hand, the AVG also gives $50 per call cost for a phone support service. The drawback is, such amount is higher compared to the cost of AVG antivirus paid version.

Furthermore, free apps present less malware signature updates compared to paid products. This opens a window for brand-new infections to feast on your unit. Most free applications would only give you the privilege of updating their signature databases one time each year. This is just like leaving your computer unit naked to all the viruses that could take an attack.

Free softwares provide lesser scanning advantages compared to paid version. For example, the paid version of an antivirus program might scan http traffic to see web-borne problems just before they hit your system but the free version cannot do this. What is most annoying is that most free programs give you stuffs you do not really like. The AVG often gives unnecessary social networking toolbars. Free apps might also repeatedly persuade you to buy something.

So learn to balance which is better— the free or the paid version? If you have the money, then a paid version is always the better choice. But if you are running low in cash then settle on a meager protection that the free software provides. Either way, there is no risk involve—just benefits.

How's your summer?

When April came, I was very excited to go to the beach. Ironically, I was only able to do so for a couple of times this summer. 

May came with enthusiasm to do something great, but I don't want to think that the opposite is what is really happening now. Two weeks to go before summer ends, I'm still hoping for the best. 

For a Friend

I never expected this. We both thought we'll grow old together. But I understand your decision. If its what will make you and the kids happy, then go. I am confident that you will be able to push through.

So, Cebu it is! I'll be looking for more Cebu-bound travels in the next years to come. The kids will definitely love the idea. But for now, remember to always find happiness in your heart. :)

Because I Can

I decided to delete a certain online account, because I can and because I need to. I'm going back to my original plan, God's behind me and I have my kids and family as my inspiration.

The Long Road to be Healthy

Guess what? I finally stopped wishing that I will become slimmer again. Hello reality! I'm done with that!

I just vow to start eating and living healthy. No, I won't become a vegan, not in my wildest dream! I just can't let go of those pork grills our family share during weekends. But I guess even with meat, I can become healthy.

I've been eating loads of vegetables and fruits lately. I think this is a good start. So I will aim for at least 1 vegetable serving per day. I will not skip breakfast from now on and I will not eat like its a feast during dinner. I will aim for 8 glasses of water per day. Although I have no problem with drinking the minimum required amount of water per day, there are instances when I lost track that I find myself grabbing a bottle of cola. So I'll reduce my soda consumption to 1 bottle per week. I know some would raise their eyebrows with this kind of plan, but hey I'm getting there!

I will take my vitamins more consistently. I will not go out the house without bringing umbrella, especially if its freaking raining outside! Yup, I'm such a loser, I know.

Superhero

I happen to have a real life superhero, my lola.

I grew up with her. In fact, aside from my parents, she is always a part of my childhood memories. I love to recall how she patiently brings me to church so she can have her afternoon meditation. She is one of the reasons why I cannot skip Sunday masses and why I conscientiously do the Novena until this very day. Religiously speaking, she influenced me a lot. In fact, it was one of those moments while we walk under the heat of the sun going to the church when I perfected counting 1 to 100.

Despite the frail body of an elder woman, she would carry me from the house of my cousin to her house when it is time to go to sleep. I remember one of those rare moments when she lost her balance. I have a few bruises from that event but that would not compare to what she got.

She teaches me how to be patient and she resembles it a lot. Despite the waywardness of a child, I could not recall a single instance when she lost her patience with me. She loved me unconditionally, enough to never raise a finger on me even during that instant when I poured water to her vegetable dish just because she won’t let me play outside.

She was with me when I cannot muster the courage to go to school alone. I could recall some instances when we solve elementary math together. She would be proud of me, regardless of how a lousy singer and dancer I am. She believes in me, even those times when I could no longer be at the honor list. She was a part of my victory. She would travel for an hour just to get to our place, just to consistently give us our presents during life’s triumph.

In times when I fall flat on the ground, she never questioned my decisions. Rather, she would always remind me that I have someone to lean on. She defended me even in times when I should rather be the one defending myself, my actions. She understood me even in times when that is the last thing I need.

I believe that if she has this list of people close to her heart, I am one of those on her top list. Every Christmas day, she would show the stuffs she received and would ask me if I want those. She would give her gifts away happily. In fact, my closet is filled with the stuffs that were given to her as a gift.

What's up?

There are many things I need to talk about.

First, I desperately need a helper. August last year, I bid goodbye to our helpers. I thought I could handle the pressure alone but to no avail, 6 months later, a twist in the story commenced.

Secondly, my life needs a little “fix”. Life pressures are high that I lost my purpose. I’ve been sailing where the wind blows me. I need to reassess my life again for the nth time.

Third, my room needs a makeover. I need to have a bigger table where I can work, and probably give the one I am using to my kids as their study table. I need a play area for the kids so they do not end up messing someone’s place again. I need lots of cabinets for organizing our stuffs.

Fourthly, I am preparing for an occasion this March. This entails a big budget so I need to do extra work to get by. So now, I am working until 11pm.

Fifth, we will have our school’s defense on Friday. I need every confidence I could muster.

How about you? What's up with your life?

Kumon: A Review

Every mom wants the best for her kids. However, raising up kids in a spirit of sportsmanship, acceptance, and self-confidence is only a few inch apart from the value of competition. This fact made me skeptical to try out Kumon, at first.

My daughter performs well at school. She is attentive and eager. But she’s a stammer. She probably got it from me, I swear to stutter until grade 2. This allowed her to perform feebly in Reading class. Not that bad but I guess, not good enough to land her on the honor’s list. At first when she’s in Nursery, she made it on their Top Ten list. But when Kindergarten came and the class started reading, that’s when she slowly glide down the big list. This allowed me to look at Kumon for alternative.

She started Kumon last January 21. She’s good at CVC words but still find it quite hard to recite them well enough. First week came a breeze, she loves the colorful booklets and the new words she’s discovering. I must say Kumon’s workbooks are pure genius. The kids don’t get bored of them, especially with the idea of studying. My daughter would beg if she can answer the booklet for the next day, this is how eager she is! The purpose of helping kids develop a good study schedule is well addressed.

I must also commend Kumon’s teachers, or are they called professors, mentors? Their endurance is remarkable. It is like smiles are purposely glued on their faces.

Now, at exactly 4 days before her first month at Kumon, she is starting to read more difficult words than the usual CVCs.

So is it worth it? Well, Kumon is worth every pain and penny.

What If

How are you?

I’m not good lately. I must admit that I love doing something now, but this something is the same thing that is causing me pain.

What if everything that you have been trying to forget is actually what brings you happiness now? What if you want something, but that’s only you because you don’t get the same “longing” from the other end? What if you want something so bad but you are unsure if it’s the right thing? It’s funny, I know.

Well, I don’t have guts to spill the beans. Not now, not tomorrow, and maybe not forever.

Here we go again. Just when I thought you passed this stage, you are failing me again. Stop thinking about what you don't have, instead look at all your blessings. One mistake of the past could no longer ruin you now. Stop looking at your errors because you can't do anything about them. The mourning stage is all over, stop looking back.

What is gone, is gone. Convince yourself that you are happy because you are supposed to.

Love,

Self

Update

Haven't able to blog lately. Everything's good, by the way.

Birthday Plan

On my 26th Birthday, I want to focus on giving as a gratitude for all the blessings I enjoy. So I will hold a simple party with some kids I don't actually know. Its just a simple party.

Also, I want to splurge on a good massage and a nice nail art. Probably have a good dinner with family in the evening.

:)

Wedding Bells

What's with 2012? It seems like everyone's settling down.

I have the privilege to attend one of my friend's wedding. Their relationship lasted for 10 long years before they decided to settle down, I am amazed!

By the way, my little princess is one of their flower girls. Here's her picture together with some friends who are part of the event.

I think my shy girl is lovely here.

I posted a note on their wedding gift "find joys in one another" although I want to actually add "never give up on each other" because this is exactly what I missed. Now that my friends are settling down, I realized that I was pretty immature when I actually tied the knot. And if I have the chance to turn back time, most probably these are the words that I should be thinking about once I walk down the aisle, irregardless of who I am walking with.

Weddings are great and scary too! Being separated, I realized that a relationship is not purely about love, but its more of acceptance and endurance. It brings a lot of challenges, a challenge bigger than when you found your partner sneaking out with a hot chic. Marriages are often draining. BUT it takes more courage to let go than to stay. It will take more pain to say goodbye than seek for reconciliation.

Probably you will ask where am I driving to? Well, I guess you should know that marriages are tough but being separated is tougher. So if your partner is still willing to take the risks after the great fall, go for it. Live life together. Learn to cherish each other.

Sometimes people will have their own way of doing things, far from your expectations. It may annoy you, yes, but this does not mean they're wrong. Its a matter of respecting other's abilities, of knowing that sometimes you must let others show you how.

Look, I have my New Year Goals too!

Grateful people get more of what they’re grateful for.-Bo Sanchez

This reminder would suffice to make me go through 2012 with confidence. You see, just now I realized that 2011 was not that spectacular, but it was not bad because I simply learned how to count my blessings, to be grateful about anything.

While I would do fine with a slimmer figure, a rosier cheek, or a more expensive cell phone unit—I never dwell with what’s lacking. Rather I look at what I have positively and apprehend that these are actually blessings. Although I do not close my doors for improvements, I can say that I can actually live fine with what I have now.

So my first new year goal would be to embrace Positive Thinking and Be Grateful about Anything. I must agree with Mitch Albom’s friend, Albert L. Lewis that the secret to happiness is being satisfied and being grateful. And speaking of positive thinking, I vow to finish The Secrets. The book was with me since last year but I usually get bored in the middle part.

Secondly, I should probably accept that others are not simply a part of me now.

Third, I would love to travel Cebu or Bohol again, now with my kids. Little T have been enthusiastic about exploring Bohol. He says a Tarsier would be a good pet, I’m on the contrary. If not, we’ll settle with Boracay or just a trip to Camsur. But one thing is definite, we are going to travel together this 2012.

Fourth goal would mean savings and giving.

Lastly, I’ll become more domesticated. This means regularly cleaning the house and tending the plants. This passion about being a domesticated diva actually spurred the last months of 2011 when I found myself cleaning every part of the house during my free time instead of roaming around elsewhere. Accomplishments feed me with desire to do more, and accomplishing simple house chore brings me the fervor to accomplish bigger projects.

I am looking at this new year with a smile, so let’s bring it on!